Do you ever feel like all of the responsibilities in your life are weighing you down and making it hard for you to focus?
Have you ever been so tired that you feel like you can barely make it through a day without needing a solid two-hour nap?
I have, and it’s easy to think that no one else cares about you during those times. But guess what? You matter. And your health matters too!
Taking care of yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.
A lot of people neglect their own well-being because they’re so focused on everyone else. They forget to eat right, get enough rest, and take time for themselves so they can feel good and be happy.
The truth is, it doesn’t have to be this way. I’m asking you to stop what you’re doing, and please take care of yourself.
By making a few changes, you can start to feel better and more energized. It’s never too late to switch gears, it starts with changing your mindset first!
Before we dive into the tips, you might be wondering how to begin taking care of yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Keep this piece of advice in mind, your health is what matters most!
When you feel good, you operate better in every aspect of your life.
Benefits like:
– Feeling more refreshed and energized.
– Having more time for yourself to do the things you love.
– Feeling less stressed and more relaxed.
The health benefits are endless but it all starts with you, and your committed decision to take better care of yourself.
So, here are six easy self-care tips to follow when life gets too hectic.
Try these tips for at least two weeks. If they don’t work for you, try something else.
What To Do When Life Becomes Overwhelming
1. Create a Plan
First things first: Make a list.
On this list, jot down your needs — like sleeping an extra hour, taking more baths, or enjoying more me time.
Lists help to organize your thoughts and life. They take the guessing game out of everything. They are especially useful when you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t have the slightest clue on how to begin relaxing.
Keep track of your moods in your journal throughout the week, and identify patterns that lead up to those burnout moments.
Creating a detailed plan to start taking care of yourself will ensure that you never forget anything important ever again.
2. Take Care Of Yourself And Take A Break
Schedule some time each day, and do something just for you — go for a walk, read a book, or take that much-needed nap your body has been begging for.
Your mental health requires some alone time. The point here is simply to give yourself some much-needed space where nothing else matters but YOU!
“Stop constantly burning the candle at both ends, or you will eventually be reduced to ashes.”― Christine E. Szymanski
3. Get Enough Rest
Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep can lead to moodiness, irritability, and poor judgment.
Pay attention to how much you’re sleeping each night (or day) by writing in your journal (or phone) the time you go to bed in relation to when your alarm goes off or if you wake up before your alarm like I always do.
Then try adjusting your bedtime by 15 minutes each night or add an extra hour during the weekend.
If you’re still having trouble catching those Zzz’s, take a look at your environment before turning in and make sure it’s conducive to sleep.
Does your room have low lights or red lights? Is your tv or your phone on with you in bed?
Do you have your earplugs ready so you can block out the sounds of the sirens passing?
How cozy does your bedroom feel and how comfortable is your mattress?
All these different aspects matter when you’re trying to get the best sleep.
Getting adequate rest is beneficial to your overall health and well-being so adjust your bedroom accordingly.
4. Eat Healthily And Exercise Regularly
What you put in your body has a lot to do with how you feel.
Consume fats or protein-filled food alongside enough fiber. This will help you feel full throughout the day and provide your body with the necessary nutrients it needs to keep pushing as hard as your brain wants to go.
Increase your fruit and vegetable intake by adding one serving per day for two weeks.
Your energy levels will reflect this slight change in your diet.
Your body needs good food to help it function effectively so don’t waste your time giving it junk food to eat and then wonder why it’s not performing optimally.
Work out for at least 30 minutes three to four times per week.
You can do this in the morning, before work, or after you get home from a long day.
Don’t feel that your only option, as a beginner, is to go hard for an hour. Do only what your body needs, nothing more. Going hard is great sometimes just not when your body isn’t feeling up to it.
Start slow especially if you’re a beginner, and remember that you’re not in competition with anyone but yourself.
5. Appreciate Something Beautiful In Your Life
A chocolate bar, a new song, or spending time with friends and family might be just the thing you need to stop stressing.
The world is a beautiful place. Appreciate it by taking the time to notice what you love about your life and everything you’re grateful for.
Your friends and family are there for a reason, call on them when you need them the most. Simply hearing the voice of another person, especially your best friend can automatically put you in a better mood.
6. Be Kind To The Person You Are Right Now
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes or have bad days.
Life is made up of hardship and tough lessons. The more compassionate you are to yourself and your feelings, the easier it will be to get through the exhaustive and difficult times.
Take it easy, relax, and forget about that to-do list for the rest of the day.
Connect with yourself through meditation or some much-needed quiet time.
Sometimes all you need to do is take a nap, so spoil yourself, escape to your dreams, and do not scold yourself for not getting everything on your to-do list completed.
Be gentle with yourself, you deserve it.
It can be difficult for anyone to take care of themselves when they’re feeling extremely tired.
Some people start to neglect their personal hygiene, while others (like myself) might become more impatient and short-tempered with the people around them.
The good news is there are a few ways to reduce your stress and exhaustion by taking better care of yourself when life gets hectic — and they all have their benefits!
The Best Self-Care Advice You’ll Ever Need
Put yourself first!
Start caring for yourself more effectively through practices like:
– Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or stress releasing exercises.
– Being kind to yourself.
“It is so important to take time for yourself and find clarity. The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.”― Diane Von Furstenberg
Whatever activity you choose, make sure it recharges your batteries.
You know exactly what you like, so go ahead and do it.
Jody is a creative writer, artist, graphic designer, and a digital nomad who also helps people live more fulfilling lives by finding creative solutions to their personal growth and development problems and lifestyle challenges.
These are great tips. I love the quote, “Stop constantly burning the candle at both ends, or you will eventually be reduced to ashes.”― Christine E. Szymanski. It is a strong reminder that you have to take care of yourself.
Thank you for the 5 Tips. Learning to love yourself more creates positive energy in life.
I agree 100 % Thank you for reading!
These are great tips. I love the quote, “Stop constantly burning the candle at both ends, or you will eventually be reduced to ashes.”― Christine E. Szymanski. It is a strong reminder that you have to take care of yourself.
That’s so true Kyle! We can easily forget to take care of ourselves but if we don’t we won’t be able to accomplish any of our goals!